Transportation security would have myneckto prove I was up to no good when, in actuality, my mom doesn’t know airport rules and wants me to have a happy, full belly.
“I appreciate it so much—but Daddy’s right, they’ll make me toss it. Maybe Josh can eat it?” I suggest, in my attempt 347
FAKING FOREVER
to lighten Josh’s mood. He was sticking to his somber silence this morning.
“See Sue? Everyone’s happy.” Dad takes the food from my hands, trades it with a wad of twenty and ten-dollar bills, and then gives the food to Josh.
“I’ll eat it later, Miss Monroe. I can’t think about food and not feel indisposed right now,” Josh says in a reserved manner, holding each of my shoulders. His thumbs press into the back of my neck as he squeezes them.
“You’re not hungry?” I point my nose up, looking for his face. “He’ll change his mind when he gets back,” my dad says, fumbling with his key ring on his jeans.
“Back from what?” Josh asks as we all look at my father.
“You’re taking her,” my dad responds, unclipping his car keys
from his hip and holding them out for Josh. “You know how to get to the airport, right?”
“Of course…” Josh slowly takes them, easing the words off of his tongue.
“So just come back when you’re done. You two can handle yourselves,” my dad says, kissing my head. “Be good. You call me,” he adds.
This was out of the ordinary for my father to do.Nobodycan drive his Jeep unless it’s one of his fishing friends. It’s clear he was trying to give Josh a chance. A healthy-sized one, too. He accepted us and let our relationship happen. I never envisioned him making any growth—and not this abundantly.
“I promise.” My head bobs as I watch him walk to the porch.
“Well, that’s your father’s cue. I should probably let you guys leave,” my mom whimpers with tears glossed over her pupils so much that I couldn’t see them.
348
LOVED BY YOU
“Don’t cry.” I give her a thin smile, squeezing her arm before hugging her. If she cries, then I will. Her emotions were always infectious like that.
Another thing that I’ll miss.
She lets go of me, kissing each of my cheeks and squeezing my hands. “I love you. London is going to love you.” She takes a deep breath and follows my dad onto the porch, talking to my brother, “Tate, say goodbye to your sister before you can’t.”
Tate steps down each stair like he dreads it and walks over to us.
“Don’t turn into one of those British people who think they’re better than everyone, okay? You’re already annoying enough,” he says with a pretend smile.
“Just hug me, jerk.” I bite my lip, stiffening its quiver as I hold my arms for him.
He promptly takes my arms, pulls me into his embrace, and hugs me the tightest he can.
“I love you. Watch Mom and Dad and don’t drive them too insane, please.” I rub his back, squeezing him, but not nearly as much as he was me.
“I don’t drive them crazy—and I’m making better decisions, I swear. Ask Josh,” he says, subsequently laughing as he pulls away.
My face is fiery, hot, and damp from my little will to wipe tears.
“Good luck, okay?” he says, sighing as his laugh dissipates.
“You too, Tatum.” I nod as he backs away and leaves Josh and
me with my dad’s fully packed vehicle of all my belongings.
